City of Houston helping pay for cleanup after massive fire at SE Houston recycling plant

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Four days after a massive fire at a recycling facility broke out, the City of Houston said it is helping foot the bill.

The flames erupting off Kellogg near Lawndale at Mammoth Metal Recycling, fire crews said, burned tires and other industrial piping on Monday.

ORIGINAL LIVE REPORTS: Fire crews monitor and investigate scene of southeast Houston fire after massive blaze, HFD says

Mayor John Whitmire directed city officials to help with clean-up efforts on Wednesday.

"We've learned that the owner probably can't meet his obligation of cleanup. So, we authorized this morning for finance to find the funds for the fire department to contract with a cleanup crew, but it should have never been there in the 1st place," Mayor Whitmire said.

The 13 Investigates team found the City of Houston sued Mammoth Metal Recycling for about $70,000 in 2024 for not paying taxes; the lawsuit was dismissed last year.

But the tax website also shows they still owe $106,000 in back taxes.

RELATED: Owner of burning recycling facility tied to COVID-era fraud scheme, records say

Mayor Whitmire is now calling for change after he said the location caused concerns for those who live nearby.

"It became part of our discussion with our constituents yesterday, How do things exist in our city that create hazards and health concerns? You'd have to be at the Kellogg St. site to see what was allowed to accumulate there inside a residential community near Mason Park," Mayor Whitmire said.

The fire is still causing mayhem for those who live nearby, like Silvana Briones.

"Even right now, you can still smell the heavy smoke in the neighborhood," Briones said.

Briones said she's also upset the company's been operating in her community.

"The city's gonna pay, that means the taxpayers are gonna pay, now we were not notified when a company like this came into our neighborhood," Briones said.

City of Houston sent ABC13 a statement about the latest cleanup efforts:

700 Kellogg is now being handled by a contractor. They anticipate two days of work. Once completed, it will be turned over to TCEQ for cleanup. TCEQ has already started. The demand letter that will be sent to the responsible party, and the site will be closed until all penalties and fees are paid.

ABC13 asked the city how much this was costing them, but was told they don't have an update at this time.

Eyewitness News also asked how this could impact taxpayers, but did not get an answer.

ABC13 has attempted to get in contact with the company and management, but so far, has been unsuccessful.